With 2024 in the books for the UFC, what does the promotion have in store for 2025? Currently, three champions have won four or more title fights in their current division. Is 2025 the year where we see new contenders hold gold? Below, I give my three best UFC future bets for 2025.
Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira (-120)
Pereira was my fighter of the year for 2024. He finished the year 3-0, with three knockouts in each title defense. He continues to dominate the light heavyweight division, with four title wins and three defenses at 205 pounds.
Magomed Ankalaev seems likely to be the next challenger to Pereira’s title. That fight will probably happen in the first quarter of 2025. Although you may think it is not wise to back Pereira with his 38th birthday nearing, he continues to defy the odds and deliver unthinkable moments.
Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev (-200)
Although this is the biggest favorite I chose, this is the one I am most confident about. After submitting former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round, Chimaev’s next fight seems likely for UFC gold.
Chimaev, 30, is 14-0 with 12 finishes in his MMA career while being 8-0 in the UFC. Yes, Chimaev has only fought once in the previous two years. But he always puts on an incredible performance when he steps into the UFC Octagon. Chimaev is -200 to finish 2025 as middleweight champion, and he most likely will be the favorite when he faces the winner of the UFC 312 Main Event of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland.
Lightweight: Charles Oliveira (+600)
After having my first two picks being the favorites, this is my favorite underdog choice. The former lightweight champion is coming off a win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 in November. UFC CEO Dana White billed That fight as a No. 1 contender bout.
If Oliveira gets his wish and fights the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan, getting him at +600 on DraftKings Sportsbook is incredible. He would have to wait until May, most likely at the earliest, but he would be less than a +600 underdog without a doubt against either Makhachev or Tsarukyan.
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